COINCIDING with National Reconciliation Week, Boolah-Dillah at the Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place was officially opened last week by the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell.

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The development and revitalisation of the Mountain comes from a partnership between the Karuah Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Forestry Corporation, providing a unique experience for visitors.

“This land is culturally, spiritually and historically significant for the local Worimi People and now all of us can experience the local culture in this stunning part of the world,” Minister Mitchell said.

The project involved completing tree carvings to mark places of cultural significance, new interpretive signage, the development of a cultural site with seating and a fire pit and upgrading visitor facilities.

Karuah Land Council CEO Len Roberts said he hopes visitors will come away with an understanding of the history of the area and its significance to the community.

“This is a place that represents all of Bulahdelah – its history and the Aboriginal People have always been closely entwined,” he said.

“Bulahdelah means ‘two teeth’, but the word here also means two things united, showing it’s a place that brings people together which is what reconciliation is about.”

Len said the carvings were completed by a talented team of young Worimi People utilising traditional skills learnt during workshops at the Land Council.

NSW Forestry Corporation Senior Manager Kathy Lyons said the Mountain project is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration.

“We have established many good working relationships,” she said.

“We get people involved so they can do traditional activities and gain pride in what they do.”

More than 100 guests were welcomed at the official celebration last week, which included a formal ceremony, traditional dancing, carving demonstrations and guided walks.

Minister Mitchell congratulated the Land Council and Forestry Corporation for their hard work in making the project a success.

Head of Aboriginal Affairs Jason Ardler has a carving lesson with Minister Sarah Mitchell.